Abstract

Background

In the years 2003–2005 research was carried out concerning ethno-medicine in the high
Molise (central- southern Italy), a region that has been the object of very little
investigation from the ethnobotanical point of view. Upper Molise is a continuation
of the mountain profiles of the Abruzzi Appenines: a series of hills, steep slopes
and deep fluvial valleys making communications difficult. Primordial traditions (e.g.
harvest feasts) are typical of the region.

Methods

Field data were collected through open interviews in the field. These were conducted
on both an individual and group level, fresh plants gathered from surrounding areas
being displayed. In other cases, individual interviews were conducted by accompanying
the person involved to the places where they perform their activities (for example,
in the woods with woodcutters, kitchen gardens and fields with housewives, pastures
with shepherds, etc.). In total 54 individuals were interviewed.

Results

Data of 70 taxa belonging to 39 families were gathered. Among the species, 64 are
used in human therapy, 5 as insect repellents, 11 in veterinary medicine, 1 to keep
eggs and cheeses and 4 for magic purposes. The most important findings in ethno-medicine
relate to the lichen Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. (wounds) and to some vascular plant species: Asplenium trichomanes L. and Ceterach officinarum Willd. (to regularize menstruation), Cyclamen hederifolium (chilblains), Centaurium erythraea Rafn. and Pulmonaria apennina Cristof. & Puppi (bruises), while in the ethno-veterinary field, we have Valeriana officinalis L. (wounds sustained by mules). Also worthy of note, given the isolation of the area,
is the number of plants used to protect foodstuffs from parasites, among which Allium sativum L. and Capsicum frutescens L.

Conclusion

The research revealed a deep-rooted and widespread habit of husbanding the family's
resources. Whilst isolation and snowfalls contributed to the widespread knowledge
of means of conserving foodstuffs, they also led to the use of products easily available
within each home. The values of E.I. (ethnobotanicity index) for the upper Molise
region are considered amongst the highest in Italian areas. Nevertheless, like the
values for other areas of Italy, they are lower than those of many Spanish areas,
perhaps (and not only) because of the more rapid cultural erosion experienced in Italy.